From this week’s Galway City Tribune – The HSE was accused of withholding information from elected members of the Regional Health Forum about the financial details of a proposed Primary Care Centre in Westside.

At a meeting of the forum this week, Sligo-based county councillor, Declan Bree (Ind), asked “why the secrecy?” with regard the development of a PCC at Seamus Quirke Road.

Cllr Bree, quoting details contained in a recent exclusive story in the Galway City Tribune, said the total cost of the new building will be €44.6m over 25 years, excluding VAT.

The Tribune also revealed that around 300 staff or Whole Time Equivalents would be based at the new facility to be located on lands owned by former mayor, Micheál Ó hUigínn. The cost of fitting out and equipping the building will be a further €3.5 million.

“Why the secrecy about the agreement and proposed lease? It’s in the public domain. Everyone in Galway knows about it. It’s in the media,” he fumed.

Cllr Bree also queried whether the HSE had leaked the details to the Galway City Tribune.

Tony Canavan, Chief Executive of Saolta University Healthcare Group (pictured), insisted the information was not leaked by the HSE.

“It is not in the interest of the HSE or Saolta to discuss this in the public domain,” Mr Canavan said.
This is a shortened preview version of this story. To read the rest of the article, see the March 3 edition of the Galway City Tribune. You can support our journalism and buy a digital edition HERE.